Research shows Americans' blood pressure increased during pandemic
Doctors say lack of exercise, sleep and stress are factors
Doctors say lack of exercise, sleep and stress are factors
Doctors say lack of exercise, sleep and stress are factors
With the stress of the pandemic, research shows the average American adult’s blood pressure has increased.
Research published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation in December showed the average adult’s blood pressure increased by about three points at the start of the pandemic.
Doctors say some factors include people exercising less and drinking alcohol more.
“Studies have shown that especially females have increased their alcohol intake on a daily basis, which actually increases your blood pressure as well,” said Dr. Brandei Wingard, a cardiologist with Northern Light Mercy Hospital.
Dr. Wingard says we’re also not getting enough sleep and we’re already more at risk as we age.
“Our blood vessels lose their elastin which then increases the risk of the blood vessels becoming stiff and less compliant which then increases our blood pressure,” she explained.
She says our diet is important, specially reducing our sodium intake which primarily comes from processed foods.
“A lot of my patients will say I don’t add salt, but unfortunately if we looked at the back of labels like soup, different types of meats, you can see really there’s a high level of sodium in them,” Dr. Wingard said.
The new year is a good time to reset our habits and see our doctor.
“They can help you identify some risk factors you may have for cardiovascular disease and start working on that so it doesn’t lead to a bad outcome,” she said.
You can see more of the published study here.